"Man acts as though he were the shaper and master of language, while in fact language remains the master of man." -- Heidegger

5.22.2009

The "Bechoosing": EU elections

We received in the mail, like everyone in Europe, our "Candidate List for the Leaders of the European Parliament," for the election (the "bechoosing" -- love that) on June 4. There's not much excitement about this that I can see. I've seen two political signs in Haarlem so far. I'll translate the names of the Dutch parties vying to represent the Netherlands -- bearing in mind the admonition at the top: "The head of the household is requested to give this list to the other household members for reading."

But whom should we vote for?

1. European People's Party (aligned with no. 6)2. European Social Democrats (aligned with no. 4)3. European Liberal Democrats (aligned with no. 7)4. Green Left5. Socialist Party6. Christian Union7. Democratic 668. Newropeans9. Europe Affordable and Durable10. Solidarity11. Party for the Animals12. European Whistleblowers Party (literally: "Loud Bell Clapping")13. The Greens14. Party For Freedom15. Liberal Democratic Party16. Party for European Politics17. Liberty

Instructions include:

* Valid ID required* Your ballot, which is coming in the mail, will contain your voting location. If you prefer to vote somewhere else in the city, you can do that.* Voting is between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.